Best Books of 2023

One of my team members is always fascinated by the number of books I consume and she suggested that I post a list of my most interesting reads of 2023.?

If you’ve read any of these, let me know what you thought of them!

1. The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription for Long-Term Thinking,? Roman Krznaric??

How can we become good ancestors for future generations, if we do not learn from the past? A journey of deep thought of the past and the future issues that society has created and needs to prepare for. What I really enjoyed was that it makes you think about the importance of being aware and mindful when looking to the future while also exploring the various long term challenges that we need to consider.

1. Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money,?. Rabbi Daniel Lapin

Rabbi Daniel Lapin provides a rather interesting perspective on money and business through a Talmudic lens. He explores the 10 commandments and how these deep seated values are applied to business and wealth creation, including the power of charitable giving as part of the wealth building journey.

1. The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future, Stephen Poloz ??

The author translates economic policy and thinking into plain talk, peppered with personal stories that are understandable and relevant to planning for the future.? Topics include an aging workforce, increased personal debt, the disappearing middle class, economic policy and the recent pandemic. This book ignites the brain to seriously think outside the box as to the importance of housing, job creation, business and employment policies to ensure that Canada continues to protect and perpetuate a strong and vibrant economy.???

1. Why We Change (And 10 Reasons Why We Don't), Ross Ellenhorn ?

This book highlights why people change and the most profound reason why they don’t.? Loss of Hope being the number one reason.? Ross explores the tension between fear of change and the opportunity to have the courage to take one extra step and experience the vast possibilities in one’s life.?

1. Build The Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, Dr. Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey ?

Every so often, the collaboration of brilliant individuals creates something bigger than themselves.? This is definitely a good example where the authors guide you toward creating an “intentional life” with the appropriate tools to create happiness instead of looking for it and/or feeling hopeless.

1. Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life, Susan David, Ph.D. ??

This book is rather thought-provoking as we are guided to be thoughtful, conscious of our emotions and able to acknowledge that there is “space in between” these emotions that will help us manage our behaviours and move forward toward an intentional life.?

1. One Hundred Saturdays, Michael Frank

A friend gave me this book as a gift.? I had never heard of the island of Rhodes, located in Greece, or the fact that there was a Jewish community that had lived there for more than 500 years before World War 2. This is a collection of life experiences and stories shared by Stella Levi during her Saturday morning visits and conversations with the author. Growing up before, during and after the war reminds us that the human spirit and strength to move forward is a result of purpose, even in the darkest moments of one’s life.

1. Value Creation Kid: The Healthy Struggles Your Children Need to Succeed, Scott Donnell and Lee Benson

This is a “must read” parenting book for anyone who wants to ensure that their children learn how to be confident, capable and prepared for life.? Easy to understand, peppered with stories and tools and written by a psychologist and financial advisor.

1. Outlive: The Science of Longevity, Dr. Peter Attia ??

I have been a fan of Peter Attia after being introduced to his podcast by our son Adam.? His book, although rather intimidating in size, is an excellent guide on how to create a long and qualitative life.

1. The Myth of the Silver Spoon: Navigating Family Wealth and Creating an Impactful Life, Kristin Keffeler, MSM, MAPP ?

Discard traditional assumptions and labels about silver spoon kids.? Kristin debunks what most people think about children of affluent families and humanizes wealth and the various challenges and opportunities from a rising gen lens.? After one of my clients read this book, she apologized to her grandchildren for her mindset and approached her financial legacy to her family with empathy, understanding and intentionality.? Great read.